Ch. 561..570
Chapter 561
"Haddy really is a heartless one," Hernan let go of me, his voice dripping with mock sympathy.
I shot him a look, feeling my blood boil. And before I knew it, I just snapped. I grabbed the closest thing to me and hurled it at him. "See? I was never his girl! What a jerk. Total... idiot."
I don't normally curse-like, ever. But in that moment? I didn't even care who I was mad at anymore. I just needed to say it.
Shouting all that-the anger, the frustration, the hurt-it actually made me feel lighter, like I could finally breathe again. Like I was throwing off this weight I'd been carrying around for way too long.
Hernan didn't flinch. He just stood there like a wall, taking it all.
By the time my arms were too weak to move, I crumpled to the floor, curling into a ball. I felt empty, like every ounce of energy had been drained from me.
Eventually, Hernan walked out. But as the door clicked shut behind him, I caught a voice from outside.
"You seriously think she's the one who's gonna reel Hayden back in?"
The door clicked again, cutting off whatever response he had, and suddenly... silence. Like, dead silent.
Alone. Like, really alone.
That emotional explosion had zapped every ounce of energy I had left. My head was just this giant fog, and I stared at absolutely nothing in front of me, feeling completely spaced out, like my brain just checked out for the day. How long had I been sitting there? Minutes? Hours? I had no idea. But then, the door opened again, and a maid walked in with a pile of clothes in her arms.
"Miss, here are your clothes, freshly cleaned."
I blinked at her, still half-dazed. "Why'd you even wash my clothes?"
The maid gave me a polite smile. "Mr. Skye insists on cleanliness. No one sleeps in outside clothes under his roof."
"Wait... you were the one who changed me?"
The maid nodded. "Of course."
A tiny sigh of relief slipped out of me.
The maid placed my clothes down, then started picking up the disaster I'd made of the room.
When she finished, it felt like the space had exhaled-quieter, emptier, and somehow... calmer. Slowly, my mind started to unfog.
After a minute, I grabbed my phone and started typing like my fingers were on fire.
[Hayden, you're a jerk. You said you loved me, but now you're out there picking rings with some other girl? You're a selfish prick.] Chapter 561
[Seriously? I thought you were better than this. But nope-turns out, you're just as shallow as everyone else.]
[You dumped me, and now you're blaming ME? Didn't know you were capable of being this cold.]
[Everything I'm going through? It's on you. If anything happens to me, you better believe I'll come back to haunt you.]
And I didn't stop there. Oh, no. I kept typing, typing, typing, like each message was the only thing keeping me from totally losing it.
After what felt like a century, I saw the typing indicator pop up on his end. My heart slammed against my chest as I waited. Then, the dreaded reply:
[This is Yara, Hayden's fiancée. He doesn't want you anymore, so please stop contacting him.]
I froze. My body went completely numb. She was already that close to him? Close enough to take over his phone and reply for him?
The anger hit like a freight train. Without thinking, I chucked my phone at the wall with every ounce of rage 1 had left.
The crash was so loud, it shook the room. My phone shattered on the floor, its screen a mess of cracked glass.
For a split second, I felt a pang of regret. But then-poof-it was gone, replaced with straight-up rage as I screamed, "I want out! Let me go!"
A second later, the maid walked back in. She glanced at the broken phone, then picked it up like it was no big deal and placed it gently on the table. "Miss, Mr. Skye said he wants you to join him for a snooker game. He'll let you go once it's over."
Chapter 562
Snooker? Yeah, right. This was just his way of keeping me locked up like some kind of hostage while he tried to force Steve into winning.
It was clear now-I wasn't getting out of here until after the game.
Fine. If I had to stick around, I might as well make it count.
Honestly, I'd already calmed down. The whole phone-smashing thing was just for show.
Hernan had been spying on me, tampering with my phone to track every call and message. Destroying it was the only way to stop him from eavesdropping.
I'd thrown my little tantrum, and now he was going full-on villain mode with his plans. Any more drama would just be a waste of energy.
So, I stepped out onto the terrace for a little fresh air. But the second I saw it, I froze.
The terrace was massive-it stretched across the whole estate, with lush gardens, a golf course, an open-air snooker hall, a pool, and probably some other stuff I hadn't even seen yet. It looked like a giant playground for rich people.
And there he was-Hernan, standing at the pool table like he owned the place. The moment he spotted me, he waved. "Hey, Keira! Wanna join me for a few rounds?"
I thought of Bruno, who once swore he'd beat me at snooker. I wasn't sure what his deal was with Hernan, but one thing was clear-Hernan could wipe the floor with him without even trying.
Handling Bruno was easy. But his fans? They were a whole other problem. Obsessed and ready to go full- crazy on a dime.
The only way to keep them in line was for Bruno to step up. And the only guy who could make him do that was Hernan.
I stayed put, pretending I didn't hear him, even though his voice was as clear as day.
"I heard you're pretty good," Hernan called, turning the stakes up a notch. "If you beat me, maybe I'll let you go early."
Since when did I have such a reputation? I'd only ever played casually with Jace and Steve, but now even strangers were trying to challenge me?
It was obvious Hernan was dying for a match. The more he wanted it, the less likely I was to play along." Nah, I'm good," I called back, grinning. "What if I win and you get all mad and try to kill me?"
He burst out laughing. "You're just a kid, alright? I promise I won't kill you. And if you win, I'll grant you any request you want."
I smirked. Looks like this guy wasn't immune to my innocent act.
"You swear?" I asked, playing the skeptical card.
He gestured to the maids and gardeners nearby. "They're all witnesses."
Even though he said that, I didn't nod. Instead, I leaned casually against the railing. "And if I lose? What
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Chapter 562
happens then?"
"That'd be perfectly normal," he said, his smirk growing. "No one can beat me."
Arrogant much?
"So, if I lose, no big deal," I said, double-checking. "But if I win, you'll grant me anything?"
"Yep," he said, motioning me down with a finger. "Now come on."
I'd made him wait long enough. I had a pretty good read on him by now, so I didn't waste another second and headed downstairs.
Hernan took one look at my outfit and scrunched his nose. "Those are awful. Why not pick something from the closet?"
"I don't like them," I said flatly.
He chuckled, his smile softening. "If you don't like them, don't wear them. A girl should do exactly what she wants."
There was something almost sweet in his tone, the same kind of soft vibe Hayden used to have with me.
And that's when it hit me-why I hadn't gotten over Hayden. Even after everything.
I wasn't the type to cling to the past. If I could walk away from Jace-the guy I was supposed to marry- then I could move on from anyone. But Hayden? His kindness stuck with me in a way I couldn't shake. Still, I had to move on. Eventually.
That thought squeezed my chest, but I shoved it aside and walked over to the pool table. I eyed the balls! So, what's the game?"
"Standard rules," Hernan said. "Whoever clears the table first wins."
I was about to agree when he added, all smug, "Since you're a lady, I'll let you go first. And I'll even give you a three-ball head start."
If he wanted to play gentleman, fine by me. "Alright. How many rounds to decide the winner?
Chapter 563
"Three rounds!"
"No problem," I shot back, grabbing the cue stick that felt just right in my hands.
"Good choice," he said, eyeing me like I'd just picked out some rare treasure.
I raised an eyebrow.
He smirked. "That's my favorite cue."
"Is that so?" I asked, matching his playful tone as I glanced down at the stick. That's when I noticed the engraving.
Curious, I leaned in closer. It read 'Hart.'
Before I could stop myself, the words slipped out: "This isn't your cue... it's..."
I almost said Hayden's but caught myself just in time. No way. Hayden and Hernan were total enemies. There was no way Hernan would have one of his cues, especially not something personalized like this. It was clearly for someone who took snooker seriously.
I remembered asking Hayden once how good he was at snooker. He'd shrugged it off like it didn't matter, saying he was "just average." No way someone like him would splurge on a custom cue. And if he did, there was no way he'd leave it for Hernán to use like a trophy. "Whose is it?" Hernan asked, clearly amused by my reaction.
"I don't know," I replied, keeping my cool. "But it's definitely not yours-someone else's name's on it."
Hernan gave me a thumbs-up. "Impressive-snooker girl knows her stuff."
'Snooker girl.' That was what Bruno used to call me. And now Hernan was using it too. Coincidence? Or was there something more going on here?
But I wasn't about to leave it at that. I locked eyes with him, unflinching. "Don't call me that."
Hernan raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"
"Because a jerk used to call me that," I said, staring him down.
He laughed, clearly entertained. "If you want to insult me, just say it. No need to beat around the bush."
I didn't respond. I wasn't trying to insult him, but if he wanted to take it that way, whatever.
The balls were set. I looked over the table. "Let's do this."
Hernan waved me on, clearly wanting me to take the first shot.
Since he set the rules, I didn't hold back. I stepped up, snapped the cue ball into place, and broke- clearing the table in one go-just me and the cue ball left. A perfect sweep.
Hernan didn't flinch. No tension, no worry-just a casual round of applause. "Want a break, or should we keep going?"
JANDIC
RES
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"Keep going!"
We played for the next half hour, and I breezed through all three rounds. Three flawless breaks. Hernan didn't even get to touch his cue once.
"As expected from a talented disciple," he said, clearly impressed.
I smirked. Sure, some of my skills were thanks to Steve's training, but mostly? It was all raw talent. Steve had once said I was a born snooker player.
He'd even tried to get Jace to let me play professionally, but Jace shot it down immediately. I could still hear his voice: "Born talent? Pfft, it's just dumb luck." After that, Jace rarely took me to Steve's pool hall anymore. And even when he did, I mostly just watched while he played.
Jace could never admit I was good, no matter how many tables I cleared.
But me? I didn't need anyone's approval. I was good-whether anyone else noticed or not.
I shook off the memories and absentmindedly ran my fingers over the engraving on the cue. I turned to Hernan. "Time to keep your promise." "Alright," he said easily. "Name your terms."
Chapter 564
I didn't answer right away. Instead, I put on my best "thinking" face.
Hernan gestured toward a lounge chair. "Come, sit down. Take your time."
Little did he know, I didn't need to think. I already had my request locked and loaded.
He settled back in his chair, casually crossing his long legs in his crisp white slacks, sipping his wine with all the cool, effortless charm of a guy who knew he looked good.
And damn, did he ever. His deep-set eyes had that smoldering, I'm-about-to-pull-you-in vibe.
I quickly looked away, focusing on a corner of the pool table instead. "After this match, I want you to promise never to mess with... Steve again."
In the snooker world, Steve was untouchable.
If Hernan and his crew were using shady underground matches to rake in cash, they wouldn't stop at one round with Steve. They'd try to pull him in, make him their personal player forever. And Steve? He'd rather break his own arm than let that happen.
Hernan's brow furrowed for just a second. I saw it, but didn't let it slip. "You did say, if I won, you'd agree to any condition I asked."
Hernan swirled his wine, unbothered. "No need to get all worked up. I'm not going back on my word. But there's something you should know first."
I scoffed, tossing my cue aside and pretending to storm off. "Yeah, right. You people never keep your
promises."
His voice was smooth, calm, like he was playing a different game altogether. "The reason I brought you here was to use you against two people."
I froze, my steps halting. "Two people? I thought you were only after me because of Bruno."
I hadn't mentioned asking him to deal with Bruno's fan club-that was a personal issue I wasn't about to waste my bargaining chips on. But now that I had his attention, I wasn't about to let this moment slip by. Hernan hadn't made any move to hurt me, and it was clear he wouldn't let anyone else touch me either. Why he was so protective, I didn't know. But for now? I wasn't asking questions. I just wanted to stay safe. He took a sip of his wine, his eyes never leaving mine. "No one here would dare lay a hand on you."
I relaxed-just a little. That was enough for now. But I kept up my unimpressed act. "You say that, but who are you really saving me for?"
He met my gaze, calm as ever. "One person is Steve. The other... is Haddy."
I wasn't surprised by his answer. I'd figured it out as soon as he mentioned two people.
My breath caught.
Hernan smiled faintly, watching my reaction. "This is your one and only chance. You've chosen to protect
Steve. As for the other..."
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He stood up, strolling toward me with that slow, confident stride of his. His finger sliced across his throat in a chilling gesture.
He was going to kill Hayden.
A cold shiver ran down my spine, and suddenly, my legs felt weak. The ground beneath me seemed to shift.
Hernan leaned in, his face dangerously close to mine, that malicious grin stretching across his features. I'm giving you a chance to reconsider. Change your request, and maybe we can work something out."
I didn't want to look into his eyes. I didn't want to see that cold, lethal determination. But I had no choice. I raised my gaze and met his, the truth clear in his eyes.
This wasn't just a scare tactic.
Should I change my request?
If I did, Hayden would be safe. But Steve? He'd be in danger.
My heart churned, torn between the two. The turmoil inside me was a mess. But after a split second of hesitation, I finally answered. "No. I won't change it."
Hernan's eyes narrowed. He let out a short, mocking laugh. "You really hate Haddy that much?"
My throat tightened, but I didn't look away. "He dumped me, then turned around and moved on with someone else.
"Shouldn't I hate him for that? And now, when I'm in danger, where is he?
"He doesn't care about me at all. Why should I care if he lives or dies?"
Chapter 565
Hernan gave a small nod, straightening up. "Not bad. You're not totally lost in love. But seriously, why are you so hell-bent on saving Steve? Is he really that big of a deal to you?"
He was sizing me up, playing it cool while trying to dig Into my head, figure out how much I cared.
"Not really," I said, keeping it casual.
He laughed like he knew I was bluffing. "Yet, you used your one shot to save him."
"Steve taught me snooker," I said like it was obvious. "So, his mess is kinda my mess."
Hernan shook his head, unimpressed. "But why not just use it to get yourself out? Why not ask me to let you go?"
I shrugged. "Come on, you've made it clear you're keeping me here 'til the game's over. Even if you did let me go, I wouldn't make it out the door before you caught me. Besides, I came to see Steve play. I'm not running." My eyes drifted to his arm, where his sleeve was rolled up, showing a deep, jagged scar.
Hernan noticed me staring and tugged his sleeve higher like he didn't care. "It's still healing," he shrugged. "Might get a tattoo over it later, so it's less... ugly."
Classic. More worried about how it looked than how he got it.
"Who did that to you?" I asked, already guessing.
He smirked. "You don't know?"
No point pretending I didn't. "So, that's why you're after him?"
Hernan rolled his sleeve down with a flick. "Not entirely."
He paused. "My history with him? Goes way back, longer than this scar."
I blinked, surprised. "You knew Hayden before?"
Hernan's frown came fast. "You two dated, right? He never told you about his past?"
That hit harder than I thought it would, and I knew he saw it.
I forced a smile. "Nope. He didn't."
Hernan shook his head, like he actually felt bad for me. "Guess he didn't love you. If he did, he'd have told you all about his 'glory days.""
My chest twisted, "Yeah... if he loved me, he'd be here right now-fighting for me, kicking down doors, making sure I was okay."
I dropped my gaze, trying to swallow the lump in my throat.
Then, I felt a warm hand on my head. Hernan was patting me. "Poor thing," he murmured.
I wanted to pull away, but before I could, he let go, his voice soft but heavy. "Haddy might not love you, but some people do."
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I didn't get a chance to figure out what he meant, because right then a voice yelled, "Don't touch her!"
whipped around, startled, to see Jace sprinting toward us, two of Hernan's guards stumbling behind like extras in a bad action movie.
I'd kinda thought Jace might show, but seeing him here still hit me hard.
Hernan leaned in, voice low and teasing. "Looks like he cares more than Haddy ever did."
Love? If Jace loved me, why did he cheat on me?
I don't believe in love anymore.
Jace reached me, his eyes scanning me like he was checking for damage. Hernan's guards stepped forward, but a look from Hernan stopped them cold. Seeing the panic in Jace's face, I gave him a quick smile. "I'm fine."
He exhaled, grabbing my wrist. "Let's go."
Just as he pulled me forward, another hand clamped down on my other wrist. Hernan smiled, voice smooth but icy. "And where do you think you're taking what's mine?"
Chapter 566
Chapter
566
Oh, now I was his girl? Since when?
Seriously, he was just here to cause drama.
The air got super tense, like a switch flipped, and guess what? I was the one who made it happen.
Jace's grip on my hand tightened, his eyes shooting daggers at Hernan. "You wanna bring the this? Fine, keep your goons here," he snapped.
cops
into
Hernan laughed. "You're gonna use the cops to scare me? Please. You're way behind Haddy. No wonder she picked him over you."
I swear, my jaw almost hit the floor. Did he really just go there? Trying to mess with Hayden and Jace like that?
Jace's face went colder than I thought possible, his expression turning into straight ice. I could feel the tension-Hayden was his sore spot, and Hernan was digging in.
"You can have all the enemies you want, but Keira's off-limits," Jace warned.
Then, without warning. Hernan grabbed my wrist, and his eyes softened, looking at me like he was about to swoon. "Don't worry, I'm not gonna hurt you. How could I hurt someone as lovely as you?" Ugh, I hate how those words actually kinda almost made me believe him. His gaze was way too intense- like he was trying to pull me in.
"I want to keep her with me," he said, voice low and serious, still not looking away.
"Yeah, dream on," Jace muttered. He was desperate.
But Herman? He was all chill. He looked right at me, ignoring Jace. "You tell me-stay or go?"
It was like he was putting me in charge of this whole mess, making me pick sides.
Jace's face set in that determined way. "Rea, you don't have to be scared. I'll take you with me."
And despite everything he'd put me through, he wasn't backing down now. For me? He'd fight.
I knew Hernan's two huge bodyguards were standing right behind Jace, and with just a look from him, they'd pounce.
Jace wasn't exactly a pushover, but he didn't have the military training Hayden did. Two guys like that? Yeah, he wouldn't stand a chance.
And honestly, I didn't want to leave. Herman was up to something, and if I Just dipped, who knows what he'd do? It would probably make him mad, and I wasn't here for that.
Right now, he wasn't threatening me because I hadn't done anything to set him off. But if I just walked away, that smug grin of his would vanish real quick.
"Jace, you should go," I said.
Jace's expression changed. "Rea, I told you, you don't have to be scared of him."
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"I'm not scared. He hasn't done anything, and it's my call to stay," I said firmly.
But Jace wasn't buying it. He turned back to Herman. "You're a grown man. Using a girl to get your way- seriously, that's your vibe?"
Hernan didn't even blink. He just leaned back, throwing shade. "A real man doesn't let his girl suffer. She wants to stay, and you're still yapping?"
The way he said "yapping" almost made me laugh despite the tension.
Hernan was definitely something else-he knew exactly how to push people's buttons.
I couldn't help but be curious about his past. Maybe it had something to do with his connection to Hayden. Jace, clearly at a loss for words, just shot him a death glare. I said again, Jace, just go. I'll be fine. Really." I locked eyes with him, silently begging him to get it.
Jace seemed to get the message, but he still wasn't convinced. "Do you even know why he brought you here? Do you have any idea who he really is? How can you trust a wolf not to bite?"
He had a point. Hernan was a wolf, just waiting for the right moment to pounce.
And that little comment finally hit a nerve. Herman's eyes narrowed into slits. "How about I show you exactly how this wolf bites?"
As soon as he said it, his bodyguards stafted to move toward Jace, but I immediately called out, "Herman.
Chapter 567
t
Tshoved Jace hard. I said I'm not leaving Why can't you just get that fight now went to stay here.
"I Whether I end up as wolf chow or get bit by some stray dog is really none of your business
Jace's face went all stormy "Res-
I cut him off, my voice ice cold lace, we don't have anything anymore the ife on your problem, and
an don't want it to be."
He just stood there, staring at me, his eyes full of row for like I'd just kicked his puppy. Finally, he muttered, "This is your choice. Don't come crying to me later"
T
"I don't regret anything I do," I shot back, my words sharp
İ
That stung I saw his jaw tighten, and after a long best be turned and started to walk away But then he stopped, held up a hand, and pointed at Heman like he was about to declare war Tm warning you don't hurt her. If you do, you'll regret it." With that, Jace threw one last glance my way before leaving
I stood there, watching his figure fade, a weird, familiar feeling saming in my chest.
"He still loves you, Heman whispered, like he knew exactly how to twist the kafe
I looked down, focusing on a random blade of grass. "Love that's expired isnt worm having no matter how good it used to be."
Herman chuckled. "Smart girl."
I couldn't tell if he was complimenting me for being all level-headed scout love, or for not fipping out in the middle of whatever messed-up situation held put me in
Honestly? If I had left with Jace, I don't think he wouldve made it out of here in one piece.
"Come on, let's eat," Heman said, casually like we were old pals. I had a Michelin-starred chef whip up something special for you."
I couldn't help but raise an eyebrow. Seriously? I'm his hostage, and he's acting like he's hosting me at a fancy dinner party."
But, okay, the meal was next level. It even had my favorite-gnocchi.
So, not just some spur-of-the-moment kidnapping. No, this guy had done his homework
The thought of someone trailing me, learning my every move without me knowing? Yeah, it gave me the creeps.
"Not hungry?" Hernan asked, setting a plate of gnocchi in front of me.
"It doesn't taste right," I muttered, poking at my side salad instead. I hadn't even touched the gnocchi yet
Hernan knew I was avoiding it on purpose, but he didn't seem to care. After we finished the meal, he casually slid a sleek, new phone across the table.
"Here. For you."
Chapter 567
I didn't even look at it.
He grinned. "The packaging's still sealed. Totally untouched."
Seriously? He actually knew why I'd smashed my last phone-because he messed with it.
I glanced at the neatly packaged phone and let out a mocking laugh.
Yeah, right. With his resources, resealing it would be a breeze.
I didn't call him out on it, though. Instead, I said, "I don't need it. There's no point."
He raised an eyebrow. "Still don't trust me?"
"Partly," I said, shrugging. "But mostly because I really don't need it." I paused, then added, "You should know by now... I don't have a family. No parents. I'm an orphan. And I don't have anyone in my life I'd actually call."
naze
Herman's just a bit, but he didn't say anything. Just gave a small nod. "Suit yourself."
At least he wasn't the type to push.
[
up to leave, and he called after me. "Get some rest. I've gotta head out for a bit. I'll be back for the
match the day after tomorrow."
Was this guy actually telling me his schedule?
I ignored him, but he added, "Haddy will be there, too. Day after tomorrow."
Chapter 568
Hernan wasn't just talking big; he really didn't show up again until the day of the match. If he said Hayden. would be there, he wasn't bluffing. Not that it mattered to me anymore,
Turns out, even the deepest love can't survive too much disappointment. Jace, once upon a time, and now Hayden-both proved that, no problem.
Herman came back early on the third morning. I was sitting on the terrace in a rocking chair, watching the sunrise.
He waved up at me from the ground floor. When I looked down, I saw him standing there in a tan suit and white slacks, holding a bouquet of white roses. At over six feet tall, with that build, he looked like he should be on a runway somewhere. "Come down," Hernan called up to me.
I went downstairs. As soon as I reached him, he handed me the flowers and pulled me into his arms. Good morning, my princess."
Okay, I had to admit, he was kind of romantic. Hayden showed me love, but it was always this careful, reserved thing. He never held me like this, all open and passionate.
But I wasn't used to Hernan's embrace, so I shoved him away. "We shouldn't be casually touching like this. Don't hug me without permission."
I started to notice something: Hernan had infinite patience with me. The more I pushed him away. more intrigued he seemed.
I guess when you're someone like him, used to everyone falling in line, a little resistance must be... refreshing?
"Haha, 'we shouldn't touch casually,' huh?" he teased, laughing as he strolled over to the couch.
I followed him. "When do we leave for the match?"
"No
the
1. to.
rush. It won't start without me," he said, making it clear he could control the whole event if he wanted
This wasn't anything new to me. It was not just snooker-sports in general are filled with shady dealings.
Thinking about how people like him rig things and deny real athletes a fair shot made my blood boil. Hernan, don't you ever feel guilty about this?"
"I did at first, but you get used to it," he said honestly, and somehow that made me even more furious.
The last few days had been me stuck on his estate, killing time on the terrace, pretending to relax. But only I knew how suffocating it really was.
I kept telling myself to make the best of it, but being here, even without bars on the windows, felt like being trapped.
And now, his casual answer only made things worse.
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"Heartless!" I snapped, storming off toward my room.
"Feeling cooped up?" he asked suddenly.
"I've been stuck here for three days. What do you think?"
As I reached for the door, he called after me. "Then go change. I'll take you to see someone."
My hand froze on the doorknob. Unease crawled up my spine. I turned back to look at him. "Steve?"
I wanted to ask if he meant Hayden, but I held it back. I couldn't let him see how much I still cared. Letting Hernan know how much Hayden mattered to me would just give him more leverage, and I wasn't about to hand him any more control over me. Just because I was done with Hayden didn't mean I wanted to see him hurt-or worse, dragged into something dangerous by Hernan.
"You'll find out when we get there," Hernan said, all mystery in his tone.
In his world, he made the rules. I changed and went with him.
"Not bad. You look good," he said, giving me a once-over.
I was wearing a white blouse and black high-waisted trousers. Normally, I'd pair it with heels, but not today. Heels are too much of a hassle. I went with sneakers instead.
*This outfit's nice... but those shoes..." Hernan raised an eyebrow, looking amused but also slightly disapproving.
"They're comfortable," I replied simply, shutting down any further commentary.
He was the one who told me to wear what I liked, so that's exactly what I was doing.
And honestly, despite being technically his "hostage," I felt surprisingly at ease around him. I wasn't constantly on edge, even started acting a little bratty.
I pushed back, challenged him, stepped on his toes on purpose.
"As long as you're comfortable," Hernan said, squinting slightly, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "But... aren't you worried Haddy's fiancée will outshine you?"
Chapter 569
My heart literally skipped a beat
Wait, Hayden brought Yara with him?
Are they, like, permanently glued together now or something comme anywhers who her
Herman caught my reaction and smirked. Your eyes are way more foresteprets," he said, le he'd just cracked some code
With that, he turned and started walking toward the do
I swallowed, trying to shake off the dryness in my thro, then followed him
int
wess stingin
When I first got here, I'd been knocked out cold and dragged in like a rag doll. But now? was stingin this ridiculously fancy car, staring out the window
The scenery? Meh. My brain couldn't focus on anything
When the car finally stopped, I turned to Heman, my heart doing fics Why'd you bring me to a hospital?
To visit someone," he said, his eyes narrowing like he could read my mind.
""Who? My voice was tight.
He leaned in close, his gaze locking on mine. "So nervous you worned scout Hadap
He hit the nail on the head. Of course I was worried about him.
"Aren't you two done? You said you hated him. So, why do you care now? Or is your breakup just some big show? A little act to fool everyone?" he asked, like he was dissecting me.
My pulse raced, but I didn't back down. "Just because we're not together anymore doesn't mean I stopped caring."
He stayed quiet, his eyes boring into me like he was trying to figure me out.
After a beat, he pulled back and got out of the car. "You'll find out soon enough. Whether it's him or not, you'll know when you walk inside."
But I stayed put. "If it's him, I'm not going in."
"And why's that? Hernan chuckled.
"Because he's got a fiancée with him. I'm just his ex. Don't need to make things awkward."
Heman licked his lips with a cocky little grin. "I love how you set boundaries. But.... you're still going in."
"And if I don't?" I shot back, ready for a fight.
Herman extended a hand, totally unfazed. "Then I'll carry you in."
I stared at him wide-eyed, then shot him a death glare. The last thing I wanted was for him to carry me in front of Hayden. No way.
But as I stepped out, a tiny voice in my head was like, Maybe it wouldn't be so bad. Let Hayden see I've
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got options."
That thought was gone as fast as it came. I wasn't that thick-skinned
As we walked in, I started noticing how people were looking at us-some even pulled out their phones to snap pics.
I instinctively tried to dodge, but Hernan just laughed. "They're just in awe of us"
A second later, one of his bodyguards handed him a phone. Hernan glanced at it, then showed me the screen. I couldn't believe my eyes-we looked like we were walking down a runway, totally in sync, like we were straight out of a fashion magazine. I couldn't help but notice how well my outfit seemed to match his. It was like we were meant to be a power couple.
"Not bad. Double your bonus this month, Hernan said, casually waving the phone away as the guard took
it back.
"Seriously, with your looks, you could totally make it in showbiz. Want me to make you a star? he asked like it was no big deal.
I just stared at him.
"Why are you looking at me like that?" he smirked.
"Herman, seriously? You're acting like you're using me as some pawn, but you're kinda spoiling me"1 said, the question that had been bugging me finally slipping out.
He paused for a moment, then gave me a thoughtful look. "Maybe I just think you're easy on the eyes
I opened my mouth, then closed it, totally caught off guard.
"Let's go," he said, taking my hand and leading me toward the hospital room.
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Chapter
570
Isn't this guy supposed to be a total germaphobe?
So why was he always holding my hand or pulling me into random hugs?
Before I could yank my hand away, the guy lying in the hospital bed caught my attention.
It wasn't Hayden.
The guy's face twisted into a scowl as soon as he saw me. His eyebrows shot up. "Why the hell did you bring her here?" he snapped at Herman.
Hernan didn't even flinch, just held my hand tighter and led me over to the couch. "Taking her to the match. Thought we'd stop by. How's the recovery?" Bruno's face went this nasty shade of gray, and I knew exactly why. Hayden had crammed a snooker ball in his... well, let's just say it was super awkward. It was... super awkward.
"Hernan, if you're not helping me get revenge, fine. But why bring her here?" Bruno's voice was full of
ånger.
"Simple. She's with me now. Don't even think about touching her," Hernan said, holding our joined hands up like he was making some kind of declaration. Bruno let out a bitter laugh. "So I just gotta take this loss, huh?"
"What happened to you has nothing to do with her," Hernan shot back, eyes narrowing. "You started this mess, not her. Besides, she wasn't the one who actually did the deed." Suddenly, it clicked why Hernan had brought me here.
"But it all started because of her," Bruno muttered, resentment dripping from his voice.
Hernan didn't miss a beat. "And that's on you. You started trouble with her. Own it."
With that, he shut Bruno down.
Bruno's jaw tightened as he glared at me. "She brought it on herself, getting mixed up in Steve's mess."
Everything came back to cause and effect. I'd only gotten involved because I was worried about Steve, but somehow that concern threw me right into the middle of all this.
I couldn't help thinking about how Jace had told me about Steve's trouble. For a second, I wondered-had Jace set me up?
But the thought faded fast; if he'd wanted to mess with me, he wouldn't have warned me, then shown up at Hernan's estate to "rescue" me. He probably had no idea how deep Steve was in.
"She didn't do it intentionally. Maybe she was even used, Hernan said, suddenly defending me. His words hit me hard.
Was he saying I'd been manipulated all along? Did he know something I didn't?
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Bruno sneered. "You're really defending this bitch? Don't tell me you're into her now."
Herman smirked. "Isn't it obvious?"
Bruno's face twisted with disgust. "She's just a used-up toy."
Ouch. That one stung. Without thinking, I yanked my hand free, grabbed a cup off the table, and threw it at
him.
Bruno dodged, but water splashed all over him.
He went bright red and jumped out of bed, furious. "You bitch-how dare you-"
"She was right to throw it," Hernan cut him off, his voice calm. "Want to find out what it feels like to have a ball shoved in your mouth?"
Bruno went dead silent, his face turning an ugly shade of green.
"We came here to tell you one thing." Hernan continued, his arm tightening around my shoulder. "If you want revenge, go after the one who actually hurt you. But her"-he squeezed my shoulder-"she's off-limits. Next time you see her, show some respect." With that, he gave me a little pat and started walking, "Let's go to the match."
Once we were outside Bruno's room, I stopped in the hallway and looked up at Hernan.
He raised an eyebrow, like he knew exactly what I was thinking. "If you have questions, go ahead and ask. My heart was pounding, caught somewhere between nerves and... something else I couldn't name. Hernan had just gone out of his way to protect me, and it didn't add up. I'd already asked him why he was being so nice, and he'd brushed it off with some vague answer about finding me "pleasing." But that couldn't be the whole story.
If I was just a pawn against Hayden or a way to mess with Steve, all he had to do was keep me alive. No reason to treat me like someone special-someone he actually wanted to protect.